2008 Washington Seminar

Do your interests include the process and politics of public policy development and management? Are you looking for internships or career opportunities in Washington after graduation? Do you aspire to meet and interact with key federal government and political leaders? Are you ready for a life changing experience?

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, then join Professor Linda Melconian for the third annual 2008 Washington Seminar, open to MPA, MBA, and MHA students. For three full days, you will experience a genuine and current taste of what it is like to live and work in Washington D.C. You will receive briefings from the “movers and shakers” who really influence public policy, explore the process and politics of how public policy is developed, and examine the procedures, accountability, and performance of the federal government as critical learning complements to classroom instruction.

Each of the previous Washington Seminars has had its culminating moment. In 2006, it was asking Senator Kennedy about health policy while his dog “Splash” helped himself to the left-over chicken caesar salad on our luncheon plates; in 2007, it was sitting in a hallowed room of the United States Supreme Court questioning Justice Stephen Breyer about items on the court docket. The workings of the Congress came alive as The Honorable John Tierney, United States Representative and a Suffolk Law alumnus, shared with us his candid observations on the critical challenges facing education policies; process and politics were illuminated as The Honorable James McGovern informed us of the inner working of the House Rules Committee and House Committee on Financial Services’ Chairman, Barney Frank, outlined his agenda for action in the 110th Congress.

Perhaps the briefing that resonated strongly with all was by an outstanding and accomplished government professional - the Honorable Clay Johnson, III, Deputy Director for Managements, Office of Management and Budget.  With charts and anecdotal observations, he demonstrated how committed OMB has been under his leadership to implement, at the program level, standards of performance accountability. His excellent presentation on performance accountability not only complemented the course classroom learning, but also helped to make it one of the highlights of each Washington Seminar. 

“Thanks to Professor Linda Melconian’s dedication, efforts, organization, and planning, the program was absolutely incredible,” exclaimed Sharon Freeman. Several students commented: “It truly was the highlight of my graduate experience at Suffolk.” Patty McMahon added, "The Washington seminar took our class room learning in to real life interaction with DC decision makers. I have participated in many meetings with federal officials in DC before, but this behind the scenes look provided significant and important insight on how Washington really works.  White House staff, senators, congressmen, lobbyists, and nonprofit advocates shared unique perspectives that will help us as we address federal issues in our professional careers.”

Professor Melconian’s goal for the seminars if clear: let students experience how Washington lives and works, and open doors of opportunity for internships and careers in Washington. For Suffolk graduate students, that goal has been realized (as a result of the Seminar, two Suffolk MPA graduates are working in Washington) so don’t miss out on the 2008 Seminar!